DMK-AIADMK Alliance: Vijay Threatens To Resign All 108 TVK MLAs As Dravidian Rivals Eye Tie-Up

Tamil Nadu has witnessed extraordinary political developments over the past 24 hours, with the state's two long-time Dravidian rivals - the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam - reportedly moving towards a possible political understanding in a bid to prevent actor-politician Vijay from assuming power.

The dramatic turn of events came after the DMK, which had initially dismissed speculation of any rapprochement with the AIADMK, passed a resolution on Thursday evening authorising party president M. K. Stalin to take "immediate and necessary political decisions" in the prevailing political situation.

The resolution stressed that Tamil Nadu was "not prepared for another election" and underlined the need for a stable government in the state. It also warned that forces opposed to the ideals of the Dravidian movement should not be allowed to gain ground.

Political observers interpreted the carefully worded resolution as a strong indication that the DMK may be open to supporting or joining hands with the AIADMK to keep Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam away from power.

The possibility of the two Dravidian giants coming together has stunned the state's political circles, given their decades-long rivalry that has dominated Tamil Nadu politics since the late 1960s.

Reacting to the developments, the TVK warned last evening that all its MLAs would resign if either the DMK or AIADMK formed the next government despite the party emerging as the single largest force in the Assembly elections, NDTV reported citing sources.

The TVK secured 108 seats and remains just 10 short of the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly. As per the party, it should be invited to form the government since it is the single largest party.

However, Governor RV Arlekar has refused to allow Vijay to stake claim, stating that he had failed to demonstrate majority support. The TVK chief has met the Governor twice in two days, but Raj Bhavan maintained that constitutional norms required proof of support from at least 118 legislators.

A Raj Bhavan communiqué stated that the Governor had "explained that the requisite majority support in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, essential for forming the Government, has not been established".

As per the reports, the Governor also rejected the roadmap presented by Vijay to eventually secure the numbers and insisted on formal letters of support from legislators.

Meanwhile, the political arithmetic has become even more complex after the Indian National Congress ended its 22-year alliance with the DMK and extended support to TVK. Vijay has since reached out to Left parties, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and several smaller outfits. However, none of them have formally committed support so far, fearing public backlash over aligning with a relatively new political force.

Within the AIADMK too, differences have emerged. While one faction reportedly favours extending support to TVK, senior leaders remain opposed to such a move. Amid fears of defections and poaching attempts, AIADMK MLAs have reportedly been moved to a resort in Puducherry.

It is reported that a section within the DMK fears that if Vijay becomes Chief Minister, he could dominate Tamil Nadu politics for the next decade, much like the late M. G. Ramachandran did during his tenure. Such a scenario, they believe, could significantly delay the leadership ambitions of Udhayanidhi Stalin. However, senior DMK leaders, including Stalin himself, are said to remain unconvinced about entering into any formal arrangement with their traditional rival.